Today, Bishop teaches from John 15:1-2 on "Pruning for Increase." Pruning is the art of removing parts of a plant in order for the plant to be healthy and bear more fruit. A tree or bush will send out as many branches in many directions attempting to reach the sun. The promise of increase is contingent on us (believers) fulfilling our covenant commitments. Christ is the vine (trunk), we (Christians) are the branches, and God the Father is the Gardener. Pruning is done intentionally for the purpose of improved health & fruit-bearing. How does God prune us? (1) The Word of God should convict & cleanse us; and (2) God chastens us. God loves those He chastens. When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we were given eternal life and the power to live saved. Now, it is time for us (believers) to live up to our confession. The more we abide in Christ, the more fruit we bear, the more our Father has to prune us, so the quality keeps up with the quantity. We pray this message bless you and encourage you to continued in the faith. Have a safe and Happy 4th of July.
